2 Corinthians 6
Galatians 6 contains teachings about how to live within the community and how Christians should act. Overall, living by bearing one another’s burdens, as you sow, so you reap presents spiritual principles, along with Paul’s final exhortation and conclusion. This chapter emphasizes that faith should not remain only within an individual; it must be revealed in the community and in the world.
1verseWorking together, we entreat also that you do not receive the grace of God in vain.
2verseFor he says, “At an acceptable time I listened to you. In a day of salvation I helped you.” Behold, now is the acceptable time. Behold, now is the day of salvation.
3verseWe give no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our service may not be blamed,
4versebut in everything commending ourselves as servants of God: in great endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses,
5versein beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in labors, in watchings, in fastings,
6versein pureness, in knowledge, in perseverance, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in sincere love,
7versein the word of truth, in the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,
8verseby glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report, as deceivers and yet true,
9verseas unknown and yet well known, as dying and behold—we live, as punished and not killed,
10verseas sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing and yet possessing all things.
11verseOur mouth is open to you, Corinthians. Our heart is enlarged.
12verseYou are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections.
13verseNow in return—I speak as to my children—you also open your hearts.
14verseDon’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship do righteousness and iniquity have? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?
15verseWhat agreement does Christ have with Belial? Or what portion does a believer have with an unbeliever?
16verseWhat agreement does a temple of God have with idols? For you are a temple of the living God. Even as God said, “I will dwell in them and walk in them. I will be their God and they will be my people.”
17verseTherefore “‘Come out from among them, and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Touch no unclean thing. I will receive you.
18verseI will be to you a Father. You will be to me sons and daughters,’ says the Lord Almighty.”
Verses 1-5: Bear One Another’s Burdens
In the opening section, when a brother has committed a wrongdoing, the spiritual person should correct him gently and also be mindful of oneself. It also shows that the command to bear one another’s burdens (verse 2)—through words—must balance personal responsibility (verse 5) and communal responsibility (verse 2). This part places emphasis on warm encouragement and the practice of love, along with humility and self-examination.
Verses 6-10: As You Sow, So You Reap
He urges those who are being taught to share all good things with the one who teaches (verse 6). Then, he contrasts the results of sowing for the flesh and sowing for the Spirit by saying, “Whatever a person sows, that is what he will reap” (verses 7-8). Therefore, he advises that we do good and not grow weary, and that whenever there is an opportunity, we should do good to everyone (verses 9-10). This highlights the importance of life choices, attitudes, and perseverance.
Verses 11-18: Paul’s Conclusion and Strong Exhortation
Paul closes the letter by finishing it with large letters of his own, declaring that unlike those who boast about observing the law, he will boast only in the cross of Jesus Christ (verses 11-14). He emphasizes becoming a new creation and inner change rather than outward signs, and finally he prays for peace, compassion, and grace (verses 15-18).
Meditation Points
- Am I bearing another person’s burden together with them, or am I too focused only on my own burden?
- Let’s reflect on what kind of fruit the sowing of my life (choices and actions) is producing.
- Am I focusing more on inner change and the practice of love than on outward forms?
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Let’s practice practical actions that I can take to ease someone else’s burden today.
- Even if it’s a small good deed, let’s decide to keep going consistently without becoming discouraged.
- Let’s seek wisdom to hold on to the essence of faith and live together with others with a humble attitude.
As part of Coupang Partners activities, this post may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
